March for Life in Canada

Knights and their families witnessed to the sacredness of life in Ottawa.

Many young people participated in the annual March for life. There is growing support for the pro-life cause among teens and young adults, in Canada and across the globe.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson and Deputy Supreme Knight Dennis A. Savoie joined tens of thousands of Canadians on Ottawa’s Parliament Hill May 13 to participate in the country’s national March for Life.

The annual demonstration brought together Knights, Catholics and other pro-lifers for a day of prayer and advocacy as well as mutual support and encouragement.

Knights of Columbus in Canada have been regular supporters and participants in the annual demonstration which features a pro-life rally and a march through the streets of the nation’s capital city.

Cardinal Marc Ouellet, archbishop of Quebec, and the Supreme Knight were among the Catholic leaders to address the marchers at the rally.

The Supreme Knight challenged those in attendance to build a culture of life in their everyday lives, in their relationships, in their encounters, by offering charity and respect to all they meet.

Excerpts of his remarks follow.

“Each year, at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., I am encouraged to see so many Canadians supporting life. Today, it is a real joy to march with you again this year. Today we claim both our great nations for a culture of life – a culture that offers the promise of hope for all, and the promise of help for all in need.

“Last month, in this building, the House of Commons overwhelmingly voted to defeat a bill that would have legalized euthanasia and assisted suicide. And 74 percent of Canadian parliamentarians – from every political party – chose life. The House of Commons also recently blocked government funding for abortions in developing countries. These are tangible, visible steps toward a culture of life.

Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson addresses the rally.

“Canada and the United States may be governed by different laws. But together we make clear that the culture of life cannot be limited by borders. Only a culture of life is worthy of the dignity of every Canadian and every American….

“Building a culture of life does not begin at the eleventh hour, at the clinic door or here at Parliament hill. Mother Teresa so often said “Charity begins at home.” We can also say: A culture of life begins at home.

“This means loving the born and unborn with a love that cannot be missed – with a love that is a witness to all. When we return home, let us continue to build the culture of life there, with charity, openness, sacrifice, and a willingness to give to those who have little or nothing….

“Today, we choose to stand on the side of the unborn child. We also stand with those who give life, who nurture life, who care for and support life.

“Each and every one of us can be a living stone in the culture of life. Together let us pledge to do our part to make the culture of life a reality. God Bless Canada – the true North strong and free – we stand on guard for your children and your future.”